Learn how to sew a pair of jeans from scratch!
Sewing Classes
Sew Your Dream Jeans | Sewing Class
CHOOSE YOUR PATTERN:
Includes your choice of jeans patterns in PDF or print format:
Ginger High/Low-Rise Jeans, Ginger Mid-Rise Jeans, Morgan Boyfriend Jeans or Jude Flares.
Related products:
Do you want to learn how to sew custom-made jeans? Have you made off-the-rack jeans your sworn enemy because you can never find a pair that fits? Scared to get started because sewing them just seems too hard?
If you find yourself nodding along, look no further. Our Sew Your Dream Jeans sewing class will give you the tools, techniques and confidence to design, sew, and fit your very own custom pair of jeans.
Welcome to the ultimate jean-making class! Here’s a secret that’s bound to change everything: jeans are not the enemy, and learning how to sew jeans - no matter your skill level - isn’t that hard. Plus, DIY-ing your denim is way more fun than trying on a few hundred pairs in a tiny dressing room, only to find one that kinda-sorta fits your body. Skip the hassle of one-style-fits-all and fill your wardrobe with professional, handmade denim that polishes your sewing skills and celebrates your best assets. We’ve condensed every detail we've ever learned about the process of making jeans into this in-depth, easy to follow workshop that we know you’ll love!
Work at your own pace – anytime, anywhere, on any device – and learn how to sew jeans on a standard sewing machine, including fitting, sourcing denim and supplies, and professional construction methods that make your jeans look like they were made for you – because they were!
View the Trailer:
You'll learn...
- How to source high-quality denim and jean-making supplies
- How to find the perfect size for your body, and grade in-between sizes to get the best fit out of the package
- Basic jeans fitting skills, with examples shown on a live model and major adjustments demonstrated on camera
- How to prep and cut denim to prevent ‘leg twist’
- Sewing techniques for the most durable denim seams, using a regular sewing machine or serger
- Tips for painless and professional-looking topstitching
- Jeans construction from start to finish, including two different pocket styles, and a comfortable, non-gaping waistband
- The easiest way to sew a fly front zipper and button fly
- Simple methods to install jeans hardware like buttons and rivets at home (without any fancy equipment!)
- How to place back pockets that accentuate your best assets
Included Patterns:
While you can use any jeans pattern while sewing along with this course (including men's jeans and patterns from other companies), we've included all of our best-selling jeans patterns with enrolment. Choose between:
- Ginger Jeans for stretch denim in high or low rise in PDF format (sizes 0-20 + 14-32) and Print format (sizes 0-20)
- Ginger Mid-Rise Jeans for stretch denim in PDF format (sizes 0-20)
- Morgan Jeans for non-stretch denim in PDF or print format (sizes 0-20) and Print format (sizes 0-20)
- Jude Flare Jeans for stretch denim in PDF format (sizes 0-20 + 14-32)
Print patterns will be shipped directly to you. For instant gratification, choose a PDF pattern; see our guide to printing and assembling PDF patterns here.
Also Included:
- Printable cutting list to help you keep track of pattern pieces and fit adjustments
- Comprehensive sourcing guide for all your jean-making needs
- Downloadable jeans & pants fitting guide to help you diagnose common fitting issues
- Printable resource of over 30 back pocket designs to help you personalize your jeans
- Watch anywhere video lessons with closed captioning.
Class Benefits:
Meet Your Instructor
Heather Lou is the force behind Closet Core Patterns and Core Fabrics. As a pattern designer and sewing educator, she has been writing and teaching about sewing for over a decade, and has taught thousands of people to sew, both online and in sold-out sewing workshops across North America & Europe. Her work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, Seamwork, Love Sewing and Sewing World magazine.
With her contagiously positive attitude, Heather’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and filled with helpful tips and techniques to help you transform the outfits in your imagination into a self-made wardrobe you love — not one you’re limited to buying off the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm pscyhed about making my own jeans! How do I get started?
Welcome to the class that changes everything about how you make and wear jeans! To get sewing, click on the button at the top or bottom of this page, choose your pattern format, and you'll be automatically enrolled in your class after checkout. The link to login to the class will be sent to you via email. Please check your spam folder if you don't receive it after finalizing your purchase.
When does this class start and finish?
The beauty of Closet Core Patterns’ online classes is that you call the shots on when they begin and end. Sew Your Dream Jeans is a completely self-paced, online class, which means you get to decide when you start, when you finish, and how many times you replay it.
What will I need to get started?
In the class we’ll share a complete supply list, along with information about where and how to source everything on said list. At the very least, you’ll need a sewing machine (serger optional), iron, denim needles, denim material, lining for your pockets, topstitching & regular thread, and a jeans button.
How long does the class take to complete?
It’s up to you! To give you an idea of how long the class is start to finish, the video runs just over 4 hours long and comprises 13 lessons total. Binge watch them in a weekend, or do a little at a time. You can return to the class as many times as you’d like, and there’s no time limit for you to complete in.
How do I get my patterns?
Please choose your jeans pattern in either a PDF format (which you can print at home or at a copy shop) or print patterns we'll ship directly to you. If you select the PDF format, you'll be able to download your patterns immediately after checkout, or by using the download link sent to you via email. Print patterns will be shipped in 5-10 days.
Can I use any jeans pattern for this class?
This class focuses on construction and technique, and while we use the Ginger jeans to demonstrate on camera, you can follow along using absolutely any jeans pattern you prefer, including a mens pattern.
How long can I access the class?
All day, ‘erryday. But for real, this class includes lifetime access. After you enroll, the class is yours, which means you’ve got unlimited access for as long as you like, across all devices for all of eternity.
Customer Reviews
I made a pair of Sashas out of stretch corduroy and they are my new favorite pair of jeans!
The class was extremely clear and helpful. I highly recommend it!
This class is fantastic. Not only did I sew a great pair of jeans - I'm wearing them as I type - I've gone on to sew two more pairs and have the fabric for another pair. I learned so much about fit and technique that I have now applied to other garments as well. If you want to sew your own jeans - and if you sew, you should - get this class. I am close to a pretty standard size, but I needed a flat seat adjustment and a thin thigh adjustment. Heather instructs you how to make these and other adjustments, to get a really great fitting pair of jeans.
I finished my Ginger jeans the other day, and they are the best fitting jeans I’ve ever had—and I have ideas for a couple of relatively small alterations that will improve the fit. Some of my fit problems: I’m tall and have to add to the rise. My waist is 5 sizes smaller than my hips . I need to add full-seat and full-calf adjustments and length in the legs. And then I discovered I had to take out quite a bit of width in the thigh. But with this course I managed to make most of the changes and produce a comfortable pair of jeans. My husband is very impressed.
Heather is a wonderful instructor, and I learned a great deal that will help me in my sewing. Among her skills: 1) Her explanations are very clear. The information about basting, fitting and alterations was invaluable. I’ve used the pants fitting guide from Closet Core, but this course really helped me make and understand the changes I needed. 2) The video demonstrations are excellent. Since I’m largely self-taught, I really appreciated seeing how she handled the fabric hen she sewed. 3) She provides lots of helpful information without being overly prescriptive—she recognizes that people will need to find their own ways to do things, and she guides us along. 4) She reinforces critical information throughout the course (if this course doesn’t convince people to press their work as they go along, the probably shouldn’t sew). 5) She’s engaging and respectful of her audience.
Among the things I got better at or learned: Understanding and putting into practice needed alterations-given my fit issues, that’s huge; Topstitching—I was on the right track before, but this course really helped; Using the hump jumper, which previously had been a mystery to me; A better understanding of when I need to sew curves by turning my work around the needle and when I should guide the curve straight through the needle; Most importantly, I gained self-confidence in my own sewing problem-solving ability. When instructors are overly prescriptive I tend to lose confidence in my ability, which can have negative consequences. Heather’s approach provides lots of information and tips on how to do things, but leaves room for hands-on learning.
I just completed my first pair of jeans (Morgan)! I watched the course several times before actually getting the nerve to make a pair. It was much simpler and a lot more fun than I anticipated. I made two muslins and then tweaked the final fit a bit more when I had the actual denim basted. None of my store bought clothes fit me anymore and I’m rebuilding my wardrobe by hand. The Morgan Jeans are an excellent addition to my new capsule wardrobe. I’m so thrilled with how these jeans fit. They feel good and look good. It’s giving me more confidence about myself, not to mention my sewing abilities. The online course is extremely helpful and filled with tips and tricks that make things go more smoothly. I would highly recommend buying the class. A few suggestions… don’t skip the basting and fitting part, it’s key to getting a great looking pair of jeans. The rivets were a little tricky. So, try installing one or two on a sample of thickly folded denim before installing on your final jeans. If you have an older sewing machine, don’t be afraid to try making jeans. I have a 25 year old singer/kenmore mechanical with only two needle positions. It took a little trial and error, but I got some nice top stitching done.
I just completed my first pair of jeans (Morgan)! I watched the course several times before actually getting the nerve to make a pair. It was much simpler and a lot more fun than I anticipated. I made two muslins and then tweaked the final fit a bit more when I had the actual denim basted. None of my store bought clothes fit me anymore and I’m rebuilding my wardrobe by hand. The Morgan Jeans are an excellent addition to my new capsule wardrobe. I’m so thrilled with how these jeans fit. They feel good and look good. It’s giving me more confidence about myself, not to mention my sewing abilities. The online course is extremely helpful and filled with tips and tricks that make things go more smoothly. I would highly recommend buying the class. A few suggestions… don’t skip the basting and fitting part, it’s key to getting a great looking pair of jeans. The rivets were a little tricky. So, try installing one or two on a sample of thickly folded denim before installing on your final jeans. If you have an older sewing machine, don’t be afraid to try making jeans. I have a 25 year old singer/kenmore mechanical with only two needle positions. It took a little trial and error, but I got some nice top stitching done.
Learned a lot. About jean construction and all sorts of tips and tricks. Really practical and great pace.